Dolphins sign G Riley, waive T Wilson

The Dolphins made another pair of roster moves today, adding free agent guard Rueben Riley while waiving second-year offensive tackle Julius Wilson.

A college teammate of Dolphins rookies Jake Long and Chad Henne at Michigan, the 23-year-old Riley was signed by the Carolina Panthers as an undrafted free agent in 2007. He failed to make the cut following the preseason, but was added to the team's practice squad. Re-signed this offseason, Riley waived by the team on July 23.

Wilson, 24, was signed by the Dolphins as an undrafted free agent out of UAB last year. He spent the entire season on the practice squad before being re-signed this offseason. He was expected to compete for a backup tackle job in camp.

While there's no apparent talent loss with this move, the curious thing about it is that it leaves the Dolphins with only three listed tackles on the roster (Long, Vernon Carey, Daren Heerspink). I emphasize listed because obviously there are other players on the team with tackle experience, such as Trey Darilek. In fact after a little investigation, it appears Riley (6-4, 305) played right tackle his senior season at Michigan. With the undrafted Heerspink headlining the backup offensive tackles, one has to assume there are other guys on the roster that will get looks there as well.

All in all, this seems like a solid (though not hugely significant) signing. Riley has plenty of experience at a college powerhouse (37 games, 27 starts from 2003-2006) and clearly has some versatility as well. With plenty of bodies at guard, it will definitely take some of that versatility for him, or anyone, to secure a roster spot. He should not be considered likely to make the team at this point.

Most Intriguing Training Camp Battles, No. 10: Backup OTs

He are a few facts about one of the Miami Dolphins' players:

• He did not play in the NFL last season
• He has not appeared in a regular season game since 2005
• He has played in 18 total regular season games
• He has never started a regular season NFL game

Who am I describing? That would be Miami offensive lineman Trey Darilek. The somewhat scary reality is that, despite all those facts I just presented, Darilek is Miami's most experienced backup offensive tackle. That could be a problem.

Let's forget the backups for a moment. Even the starting offensive tackles are causes for some concern. Jake Long appears destined to start at quite possibly the second-hardest position in the whole game, and first overall pick or no he's still a rookie. Meanwhile, Vernon Carey is coming off a very poor season at left tackle and moving back to the right side.

Then you have the backups, if they are even worthy of being called that. After Darilek, you have a second-year undrafted player in Julius Wilson (UAB) and two undrafted rookies in Dan Gore (Boise State) and Daren Heerspink (Portland State).

And that's it.

Miami is clearly lacking experience at the backup tackle position and it will be interesting to see which, if any, of these players emerge as worthy of a roster spot. Excluding Darilek, it's entirely possible that none are worthy of such a spot right now. That is why some outside help could be brought in.

Miami could and should bring in some veteran help at some point during camp or the preseason. To be honest, I was very surprised to see the Dolphins not go after former Cowboy and Jet Jason Fabini, who re-signed with the Redskins. A few of the players still on the market I would consider are: Anthony Clement, Nat Dorsey, Wayne Gandy, Stockar McDougle (again), Fred Miller, Stephen Peterman and Kevin Sampson.

While most of these players are not quality starters, some (Gandy, Miller) have quite a bit of experience and could easily jump into the lineup because of injuries. Meanwhile, Peterman was drafted by the Cowboys under Parcells in 2004. While not the sexiest of names, all have at least some experience and have proved they are at least capable of playing in the NFL. This is more than can currently be said for current Miami's backup tackle options, which is why the Dolphins need to add someone to the mix.

The position(s): Backup offensive tackle
Number of spots: Possible one, likely two
The contenders: Trey Darilek, Julius Wilson, Dan Gore, Daren Heerspink
Predicted winner(s): Darilek and a veteran yet to be added
Reason: Darilek seems like a keeper given the lack of competition, his experience, his versatility across the line and his history with the Cowboys ('07 training camp). As for the other spot, I simply don't trust the undrafted guys to be ready to back up Long and Carey at the moment and unless one really came out of nowhere it'd be wise to add more experience, so that is what I think Miami will do.

2008 Offseason Preview: Offensive Tackles

Here's my second offensive line video of the day, this one on the offensive tackles. Be sure to check out my video on the centers and guards in the entry below. The next video in the series, on the tight end position, will be Thursday. Enjoy!